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Valkenswaard

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City
—°14
Valkenswaard (Netherlands)
ℹ️

Practical info — Valkenswaard

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Rent a bike to explore the surrounding nature, as it's the most convenient way to get around.
  • Visit the Valkerij en Sigarenmakerij Museum to learn about the town's unique falconry and cigar history.
  • Parking in the center can be busy; use the designated lots just outside the main shopping streets.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Eindhoven, easily accessible by bus.

🍽 Food

🍽
Brabantse worstenbroodjes

Grab a warm Brabant sausage roll at a local bakery on the Markt.

🍽
Trappist Beer

Enjoy a local Trappist beer at a pub near the market square.

🍽
Pannenkoeken

Dutch pancakes are popular at the restaurants near the Venbergse watermill.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Thursday Market

Browse fresh produce and local snacks at the weekly Thursday market on the Markt.

🛍
Corridor

Explore the small independent shops along the Corridor and Eindhovenseweg.

🧘
De Malpie

A beautiful nature reserve with heathlands, excellent for walking.

🧘
Venbergse Watermolen

Relax by this historic watermill on the Dommel river.

Valkenswaard is a history-rich municipality in the province of North Brabant, located south of Eindhoven. The town's name originates from the historic falconry ('Valkenjacht'), which was a thriving industry here from the 17th to the 19th century; local falconers supplied royal courts across Europe. In the 19th century, the economic focus shifted to cigar manufacturing, with factories such as Hofnar and Willem II making the town world-famous. The architecture in the center reflects the reconstruction following the destruction of World War II, as Valkenswaard was the first Dutch town to be liberated in September 1944 during Operation Market Garden. Today, the municipality is a significant leisure hub, surrounded by valuable natural areas like De Malpie, an extensive heathland featuring numerous ponds ('vennen'). The annual flower parade ('Bloemencorso'), held on the third Sunday of September, is recognized as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage and attracts thousands of visitors. The town successfully blends its industrial past with a modern image as the 'green lung' of the Eindhoven region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171918151173
Rain mm726156406062767955636977

Geography

Population
31,071
Coordinates
51.35300, 5.46500

Facts

  • Valkenswaard was the first Dutch town liberated on September 17, 1944.
  • Falconry in Valkenswaard reached its zenith during the 18th century.
  • The Dutch Lithography Museum is located in the heart of the town.
  • Valkenswaard was once the center of the European cigar-making industry.
  • The Valkenswaard Flower Parade has been held annually since 1953.
  • The De Malpie nature reserve consists of approximately 400 hectares of heathland.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Valkenswaard (14)

Center Parcs Beach🎡 recreation

Positioned within the Center Parcs resort area in Valkenswaard, this beach provides a convenient recreational spot. Expect an animated, family-oriented atmosphere with plenty of energy during the day. It is an excellent place for swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing close to other park amenities. Checking the local weather forecast before planning your outdoor afternoon is highly recommended.

Malpie🌿 nature

Malpie is a nature reserve with heath and fens near Valkenswaard.

Leenderbos🌿 nature

Leenderbos is a large forest area near Valkenswaard.

Valkenhorst🌿 nature

A nature reserve with lakes and rich birdlife in Valkenswaard.

Kinderboerderij👨‍👩‍👧 family

A place where children and adults can experience animals up close.

Valkerij En Sigaarmakerij Museum🏛 museum

This museum showcases the history of falconry and cigar making.

🕒 We-Sa 13:00-17:00💶

ROFRA👨‍👩‍👧 family

A center for outdoor activities and recreation in Valkenswaard.

Jeroen Mettesplantsoen🌳 park

A park named after Jeroen Mettes in Valkenswaard.

Sint-Martinuskerk⛪ religious

St. Martin's Church in Valkenswaard, built in 1882.

Ontmoetingskerk⛪ religious

A Protestant church in Valkenswaard with a modern character.

Sint-Nicolaaskerk⛪ religious

The prominent main Catholic church in the center of Valkenswaard.

Venbergse Watermolen📍 landmark

The Venbergse Watermolen watermill in Valkenswaard, built in 1225, is a national monument.

De Wedert👨‍👩‍👧 family

This swimming area in Valkenswaard provides a pleasant environment for swimming and water recreation.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Dutch Lithography Museum?
It is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the technique and art of lithography.
Which nature areas are near Valkenswaard?
The 'De Malpie' area gives beautiful heathlands, fens, and forests for hiking.
What does Valkenswaard have to do with cigars?
Valkenswaard was formerly a major center of the cigar industry, which you can learn about at the Valkerij and Cigar Museum.
Are there canoeing opportunities in Valkenswaard?
Yes, canoeing trips on the Dommel river are a very popular recreational activity in the region.
When does the flower parade take place in Valkenswaard?
The flower parade (Bloemencorso) takes place annually on the second Sunday in September.
Valkenswaard: where is it located?
Valkenswaard is located in North Brabant, Netherlands.
Valkenswaard: what is there to see?
Highlights include Center Parcs Beach, Malpie, Leenderbos.
Valkenswaard: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Valkenswaard: why is it worth visiting?
Valkenswaard is a history-rich municipality in the province of North Brabant, located south of Eindhoven.
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